A Million Smiles Project – Happiness is an Available Choice for You and Me
Mike Worsman, the man behind the Million Smiles project speaks to Life Online in an exclusive interview
The video of the “Happiest Man on Earth” filmed right here in Sri Lanka on Youtube is a rarity, given what the site is otherwise known for. It won its acclamation for inspiring to live the life of a security guard, all smiles and movement, that aren’t a mere facade for camera, but a result of the fount of happiness within. Hardly would anyone imagine he lives an enviable life, but as it unfolds, yes he most certainly does, and we only have lessons to learn from the man. An eye-opener to many of us, he nailed it as he described the much alluring “path to happiness” that so many of us are after. (I shall say no more, just so that I let him do the needful to those of you haven’t watched it yet!!). The video is part of the Million Smiles project.
A film by Mike Worsman.
Video from KarmaTube
Filmmaker and journalist, Mike Worsman, the man behind the “A Million Smiles” project has undertaken an odyssey to try to work out the worth of a smile. His journey is one that will take him to the far corners of this planet as he explores the way of the smile and the reasons for its enduring popularity. His quest was sparked by the stark realization that this oldest form of human connection was being under utilised in a time and place in history when we never had it so good. "Today, we take it for granted, but the sad truth is we're smiling less at a time when we need to smile more.
There are a million reasons why we smile and I want to capture a million smiles to show that every smile is priceless," Mike’s words are as inspiring as his videos and it’s not too difficult to see the heart of a man behind easily the most worthwhile project in a very long time. Rather than give in to the despondency he felt when confronted by fewer and fewer smiles in his daily travels, he decided to search the world for at least a million smiles as a reminder there's always a reason to share a smile.
Mike Worsman playing cricket in Rajagiriya, Colombo
Mike's journey will be featured on the site – www. amillionsmilesmovie.com – which will be updated regularly before the project morphs into a feature film and book - "so the reminder of the power of smiles can be with us forever," he enthuses.
Mike added, “During our trip it was evident that Sri Lanka is at a critical crossroad in its history, caught between East and West, where ideas of money and ‘success’ are clashing with humble Buddhist values of compassion and appreciation.
As someone who lives in what is arguably the most ‘successful’ Western country, I would simply say proceed with care, as all ‘progress’ comes at a cost. You can rarely have fortune without greed, or business success without failure in other areas of life.”
As Mike spares time to speak to Life Online, with each of his response it becomes clearer that hardly anything we chase so fervently can bring home the ultimate goal of happiness; in fact we could be very well running further away from it in the process! Happiness sure, is a choice!
What is the story behind shooting the Youtube hit of the "happiest man alive"? How realistic are his principles and what exactly was the motivation to shoot this? Did you expect the popularity that it has now gained?
It was a completely chance meeting. I was heading down south with my girlfriend (who is Sri Lankan, but lives in Adelaide now) and her dad (who lives in Sri Lanka) when we decided to stop at the New Monis bakery. As we approached, we noticed what seemed to be a 'strange' man whistling and dancing around on the road to try and get us to stop, which we were going to do anyway. Getting closer I can remember the smile on his face, and beautiful friendly presence as he helped us out of the car. To me he seemed like exactly what we had been looking for - a man that could quite easily sit there with a frown on his face, but instead chose to be happy and share it with the world.
Mike Worsman with a young girl Mona Lisa, who had one of the most beautiful smiles captured in Sri Lanka
On our way back from down south we stopped to film and interview Sugathapala, quickly realising the voice of this humble security guard was both poetic and powerful, and needed to echo across the world. Of course the full extent of his majesty and humble charm was not realised until I had someone translate the interview into subtitles, as it was then that I was shocked by the beauty of his message, and knew I would need to do it justice by sharing it.
In this day and age where silly cats, celebrities and hate filled videos rule the Internet, it can be difficult to break through the clamour of what has become pop culture, so it was an absolute thrill to see how far his humble message spread in just a matter of hours. I think Sugathapala's idea that ‘happiness is a choice’ is something we all know deep down, but tend to dismiss. Instead we blame our job, mortgage, kids and family for our unhappiness, rather than look at the choices we've made that see us stuck in that cycle of working a dead-end job to pay for a house we can't afford, so we can keep our wife and kids, we never see, happy.
Having fun at Hikkaduwa train station with 9 year old Mona Lisa
Of course, all of this is based on a very Western idea of success, where money and possessions are a symbol of power and even happiness in many minds. The reality is, this couldn’t be further from the truth, and in our experiences so far, it has been those with the fewest material distractions that have often smiled the most. From an orphanage housed on a garbage dump in Cambodia, to a remote village in the mountains of Burma, and even a homeless family in Sri Lanka (which will be our next video) people that value family, community and feel a sense of purpose seem to be the happiest.
Sugathapala’s values (of focusing on what you have, not dwelling on problems and realising money does not equal happiness) seem to allow those living by them a happy existence.
Entertaining a young child on the train from Hikkaduwa to Colombo
Some idea to our readers about the “A Million Smiles” project in general?
A Million Smiles is about discovering the secrets to a happy life and sharing it with the world, so that we may all smile more often. The feature length documentary and book will lead viewers on a journey across more than 50 countries, as it uncovers incredible real-life stories and cutting edge research that will expose viewers to a deeper understanding of how we can practise a life that makes us smile. The goal is to get people thinking and talking about what truly makes them smile and ask them to question why they are indeed alive, if not to live happily.
Sujith JL (37) and Tharavagani Priangika (29) live on the streets of Colombo with their two children Sasinda (5) and Senura (3). Every night they sleep outside a shut tailor's shop while they spend their day on beach.
Tell us about yourself. How is this the perfect work for you to do?
Having had a 1% chance of being conceived and 50% chance of being stillborn, due to my Mum having an IUD (birth control device) in place, I have long held a philosophy of making the most of life.
Throughout my 26 years I have felt there is more to life than school, university and a 9-5 job, and now I’m living it. In the last 2 years I have sold my house, quit my job and invested all my money in launching three projects that focus on spreading happiness through great story telling. While I do not advocate for everyone to take such extreme measures, living in Australia I feel incredibly lucky to have a safety net, whereby even if I fail to reach my dreams and make money from these businesses, I will not be homeless, whereas in Sri Lanka you could wind up on the streets.
So often I see people trying to live a life others want for them: whether living out their parents’ unrealised dreams, sacrificing their passion to please others, or simply forgetting why they are here. A happy life cannot be bought, nor sold, only experienced by those daring enough to pursue their inner voice, which many might label as their God.
Mike Worsman playing with Rukantha (left) and Senura (right) at Wellawatta Beach prior to filming their family story.
While I do not follow any specific religion, I am a spiritual person that believes in living a life of great love and compassion, just as Buddha, Jesus and all historic leaders have taught. I feel I am free to follow the best elements of all belief systems, without being dictated to by a set of rules that were created thousands of years ago, and which are often not properly adapted and interpreted by many of those who follow them today.
My faith is in the energy of our ‘world’, which most would call God, whereby that which is greater than ourselves speaks to us and provides us with a guiding light, so long as we are willing to see it. Surrounded by a world full of amazing and inspirational stories, it breaks my heart to see nothing but murder, rape and political fighting on the nightly news, and so it is also a mission of mine as a journalist to show media organisations that positive stories can sell. Much of my work is about producing stories that can impact our world, and make it a more interesting, enjoyable and better place to live.
Mike Worsman playing with 3 year old Senura Dilshan at Wellawatta Beach prior to filming their family story.
What are the moments you treasure or think are worth sharing from the stories you’ve filmed so far? Was there anything that moved you to a smile? Or perhaps, tears?
Sri Lanka saw three epic and inspiring tales, including that of Sugathapala, which began when we saw a strange man whistling and dancing on the side of the road as we approached New Monis Bakery. We were stopping anyway, and ended up being glad we did, as on the way back from down south we ended up filming him, and producing what was an enthralling insight into living happily without all the distractions.
The most touching and tear jerking experience began unexpectedly when we jumped into a Trishaw one day and told the driver what we were doing. He said he’d take us to a small slum area where we met a young man who had been stuck in a bed for 6 years. It was in this moment that my life changed, as the 29-year-old, Hathis, told us about how he’d wound up in such a devastating situation.
3 year old Senura Dilshan shows a photo of Mike Worsman, Sashenka Lakshanasingha, with Senura and Sasindu Ruksntha (6yr) at Wellawatta Beach prior to filming their family story.
While I have seen thousands living in poverty and who needed help, there was something about Hathis that captivated my heart. Whether it was his humble, gentle nature or love of others, we are now working with doctors in Sri Lanka to review his situation, in order to one day get him walking again. When we published Hathis’s story via Facebook we received a truly incredible response from medical professionals in Sri Lanka, who offered their money and help. The beauty of Sri Lanka in this moment shined through, bringing tears to my face, as hope was restored to a man and friend’s life. (NOTE: this is not his real name as he doesn’t want it published).
We also met a young homeless family who were living on the street just down from my girlfriend’s Grandpa’s house where I was staying. On a number of occasions I left them some food late at night, so the kids could wake to a nice meal and not have to worry about what they could eat. My girlfriend and I soon began to speak to the family and spend some time just talking to them about their situation and playing with the kids. For Christmas we bought them a few very simple things that would help them, including some pillows, a mat and some simple toys for the kids.
But it was not about giving them ‘stuff’ it was about giving them our time and company, and showing them that humanity cares for them. What shocked me most about their story is that they said they felt too embarrassed to go to church, because people knew they were homeless and they felt ashamed. Knowing what Christianity is meant to be about – LOVE FOR ALL – this absolutely shocked me. Their story is about ‘what money can’t buy’ as we follow the mother’s choice to prioritise love over ‘family/social structures’. We can tell you exclusively that the above family will feature in a million smiles next video, which is due out in the next two weeks.
By Nivedha Jeyaseelan
 and Tharavagani Priangika (29) live on the streets of Colombo with their two children Sasinda (5) and Senura (3)_ Every night they sleep outside a shut tailor's shop while they spend their day on beach.jpg)
 and Senura (right) at Wellawatta Beach prior to filming their family story.JPG)
 at Wellawatta Beach prior to filming their family story.JPG)
0 Comments
bud max says:
Mar 20, 2013 at 12:00 amWow ...its absolutely inspiring work Mike. amazed with your unending passion for share smile all over the world. keep it up dude ...